Oak Ridge, TN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
32,693
1.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$72,311/yr
1.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
15,279
2.5% year-over-year change

Oak Ridge population

How many people live in Oak Ridge

Oak Ridge is home to 32,693 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.9% of Oak Ridge locals are male, and 51.1% are female.

Total population
32,693
1.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.9%
15,988
Female
51.1%
16,705
Value Percent YoY change
Male 15,988 48.9% 1.7%
Female 16,705 51.1% 2.1%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Oak Ridge is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.1% are children under 15, then 10.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27% of the population, while another 23.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.1%
15 to 24
10.7%
25 to 44
27%
45 to 64
23.6%
Over 65
19.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 6,256 19.1% -2.2%
15 to 24 3,487 10.7% -3.5%
25 to 44 8,831 27% 8.9%
45 to 64 7,711 23.6% -2.4%
Over 65 6,408 19.6% 5.6%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Oak Ridge, 93.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 80.3% of locals are Caucasian, 5.9% are African American and 2.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.3%
Non-citizens
2.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 30,492 93.3% 2.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,419 4.3% 4.7%
Non-citizens 782 2.4% -24.5%
Racial breakdown
White
80.3%
Black or African American
5.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
2.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.7%
Other
2%
Value Percent
White 26,254 80.3%
Black or African American 1,934 5.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 160 0.5%
Asian 864 2.6%
Two or more races 2,845 8.7%
Other 636 2%

Households in Oak Ridge

A peek inside Oak Ridge households

Oak Ridge has 14,015 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 59.8% are families, while the remaining 40.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
14,015
5.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
5,635
Family households
8,380
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 5,635 40.2% 9.6%
Family households 8,380 59.8% 2.7%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Oak Ridge

The housing landscape of Oak Ridge

Oak Ridge's housing consists of 15,279 units, with 69.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.2% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
15,279
2.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 10,551 69.1%
1 unit, attached 940 6.2%
2 units 204 1.3%
3 or 4 units 717 4.7%
5 to 9 units 559 3.7%
10 to 19 units 950 6.2%
20 to 49 units 863 5.6%
50 or more units 411 2.7%
Mobile home 55 0.4%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 29 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
326
55.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Oak Ridge

In Oak Ridge, the median construction year is 1965. About 1.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 31.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 8.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 163 1.1% -24.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 4,774 31.2% -0.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,744 11.4% -3.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,929 12.6% -1.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,676 11% 10.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,488 9.7% 15.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,109 7.3% -0.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,283 8.4% -5.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 787 5.2% 19.6%
Built in 2020 or later 326 2.1% 55.2%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Oak Ridge occupancy rates

Out of the 14,015 occupied housing units in Oak Ridge, 65.8% are owner-occupied, while 34.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
14,015
5.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4,798
Owner occupied
9,217
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4,798 34.2% 1.7%
Owner occupied 9,217 65.8% 7.3%
Unoccupied housing units
8.3%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Oak Ridge housing costs

Housing costs in Oak Ridge come to a median of $1,117 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,131.

Median housing costs per month
$1,117/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Oak Ridge
$1,131/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Oak Ridge

Oak Ridge education at a glance

About 28.4% of the population in Oak Ridge went to high school, while 20.8% pursued college studies. Another 10% earned an associate degree and 21.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 16.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 653 2.6% -25.3%
High school diploma 7,111 28.4% 0.2%
College diploma 5,220 20.8% 1.6%
Associate degree 2,503 10% 16.0%
Bachelor's degree 5,411 21.6% 8.8%
Graduate degree 4,185 16.7% 6.3%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Oak Ridge

How much people earn in Oak Ridge

The average annual household income in Oak Ridge was $97,316 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $72,311, reflecting a +1.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Oak Ridge
$97,316/year
2.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Oak Ridge
$72,311/year
1.9% year-over-year change

Oak Ridge income by age

In Oak Ridge, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $71,411. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $86,332 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $61,190, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $66,434 in earnings. Overall, 87.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $61,190 -0.6%
25 - 44 $71,411 1.8%
45 - 64 $86,332 3.9%
Over 65 $66,434 0.8%
Above poverty level
27,868
Below poverty level
3,900
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 27,868 87.7% 3.2%
Below poverty level 3,900 12.3% -3.1%

Average renter income in Oak Ridge

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Oak Ridge, their median household income was $47,212 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 28.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$47,212
Rent-to-income ratio
28.7%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Oak Ridge

Workforce and job types in Oak Ridge

The job market in Oak Ridge is powered by 14,885 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 78.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 21.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8% run their own businesses, 66.7% are employed by private companies, and 13.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
14,885
6.9% year-over-year change
White collar
11,667
Blue collar
3,218
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 11,667 78.4% 8.8%
Blue collar 3,218 21.6% 0.5%
Employer type
Self employees
8%
Private companies
66.7%
Governmental workers
13.4%
Not for profit companies
11.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,198 8% 16.2%
Private companies 9,924 66.7% 5.3%
Governmental workers 2,001 13.4% 13.4%
Not for profit companies 1,762 11.8% 3.0%
Unemployment rate
3.8%
-14.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Oak Ridge stands at 3.8%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Oak Ridge

How people get around in Oak Ridge

In Oak Ridge, the average commute time is 22 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 81% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
22 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 11,950 81% 5.0%
Motorcycle 45 0.3% -10.0%
Bicycle 26 0.2% 52.9%
Walk 256 1.7% -11.4%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Oak Ridge by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
37830 33,038 14,167 $72,269 $97,132

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FAQs about Oak Ridge demographics 

What is the total population of Oak Ridge?

Oak Ridge has a total population of 32,693 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +1.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Oak Ridge?

The gender ratio in Oak Ridge is as follows:
  • 48.9% males (15,988 residents)
  • 51.1% females (16,705 residents)

What is the median age in Oak Ridge?

The median age in Oak Ridge is 39.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Oak Ridge?

The age distribution in Oak Ridge is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.1% (6,256 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.7% (3,487 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27% (8,831 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.6% (7,711 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.6% (6,408 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Oak Ridge?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Oak Ridge is as follows:
  • White: 80.3% (26,254 residents)
  • Black or African American: 5.9% (1,934 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (160 residents)
  • Asian: 2.6% (864 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.7% (2,845 residents)
  • Other: 2% (636 residents)

What percentage of the population in Oak Ridge are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 93.3% of the population in Oak Ridge.

How many housing units are there in Oak Ridge?

There are 15,279 housing units in Oak Ridge, reflecting a +2.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Oak Ridge and what is the average household size?

Oak Ridge has a total of 14,015 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Oak Ridge?

Oak Ridge has a median household income of $72,311, representing a +1.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Oak Ridge?

The employment rate is 96.2% in Oak Ridge, with a workforce of 14,885 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 78.4% (11,667 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 21.6% (3,218 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8% (1,198 residents)
  • Private companies: 66.7% (9,924 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.4% (2,001 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.8% (1,762 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025